Ultrasound scan of the testes

Introduction

This leaflet provides information for patients having an ultrasound scan of the testes. Family and carers may also find the information useful.

What is an ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of the inside of your body.

To perform the ultrasound scan we put ultrasound gel over the area to be scanned and a small plastic probe (transducer) is slowly moved over the area of interest. This probe transmits high frequency sound waves into your body. Based on the reflections of these sound waves, the ultrasound machine then creates images of your organs. Ultrasound imaging is considered very safe, as it does not use any radiation to acquire the image.

The scan may identify the cause of your symptoms or help to rule out conditions that could cause your symptoms.

Sonographers and Radiologists (practitioners) perform ultrasound scans. Both female and male practitioners undertake these scans, and we also have male and female chaperones. Please let us know before your appointment if you wish to be scanned by a male member of staff and only have a male chaperone, as we may need to rebook your appointment to facilitate this.

How long will I be in the department?

The scan usually takes around 5-20 minutes but sometimes slightly longer.

What to do when you arrive

Please report to the reception desk on arrival in the Ultrasound department (Level 3 Outpatients) to let us know you have arrived for your appointment.

Staff you are likely to meet

• Receptionist
• Healthcare Support Worker
• Sonographer or Radiologist

Preparation for procedure/examination

No preparation is required for this scan, other than to wear comfortable, easily removable clothing.

Please contact us in advance of your procedure/examination on 01223 216320 if you:

• Have additional requirements that may require a longer appointment
• Require a specific appointment time due to taking time sensitive medication (e.g. insulin, medicines for Parkinson’s disease).
• Require hospital transport
• Are unable to lie flat
• Have mobility issues

Benefits

Ultrasound scans do not use radiation and are considered a safe non-invasive procedure, which can provide clinicians with information to aid diagnosis of a wide range of conditions.

Risks

There is a very low risk of infection from the use of ultrasound gel. This can be reduced by wiping the gel off thoroughly at the end of the scan and washing it off as soon as is practical.

What will happen on the day of my procedure/examination?

It is hospital policy to have a chaperone present for these examinations. This is for your own and the practitioner’s safety.

The light will be dimmed in the room so the practitioner can see the screen better. You will be asked to lie down on the couch and will be given a cover. You will be asked to lower your clothes to expose the testes and you will be asked to move your penis out of the way. Gel, which may feel cold, is then applied to your testes. The transducer is moved across the surface of your testes. Both testes will be scanned for comparison purposes. This usually takes around five to ten minutes. During this time, the practitioner will take routine pictures and measurements.

You may be asked some questions relating to your symptoms, and previous medical history. At the end of the scan, you will be given paper towels to wipe the jelly off before you get dressed.

Accessibility requirements

If you require support for your appointment, e.g. if you find it hard to hear, see or be understood by others, please let the receptionist or healthcare professional know on arrival or contact us by email: cuh.accessibility@nhs.net or telephone: 01223 256998.

Can I bring someone with me?

Those accompanying you should be able to come into the ultrasound room with you, occasionally they may be required to stay out of the examination room during the procedure and remain in the waiting area.

Childcare whilst in department

Staff are unable to look after or supervise children whilst your procedure/examination is taking place. Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your children whilst you attend for your procedure/examination. If you attend an appointment with children with no one to look after them whilst you have your examination/procedure, then your appointment will unfortunately have to be cancelled and rescheduled.

Personal belongings

Your personal belongings will be able to stay with you during the examination

What happens after my procedure/examination?

After your scan, you can return to your normal daily activities.

The practitioner may be able to provide information about the findings; however the results will be sent back to the clinician who referred you for the scan within approximately seven to ten days.

Possible side effects and additional aftercare

There are no side effects.

If any concerns post procedure/examination, please contact us on 01223 216455.

How, when and by whom will my results be communicated?

Imaging examinations are reported in order of clinical priority to ensure those with the highest urgency are reported first.

Your referring team or clinician will be responsible for communicating reports back to you.

Test result are made available via MyChart but there is 3 week delay from when an examination has been reported to when it is available on MyChart, in order to allow time for your clinical team to be able to see and action the results prior to them being released to the individual patient.

Are there any alternative tests?

Ultrasound is the recommended method for investigating testicular pathologies.

Computed tomography (CT) imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are alternative investigations.

Contacts/Further information

Our contact number is 01223 216320

The phone line is monitored between 8am and 4.30pm

Facilities available

• Toilets
• Baby changing
• Disabled toilet
• Water fountain
• Paper cups are available at the reception desk

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Key functions:

• Screen reader – option for all information on the website to be read aloud
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• Styling and customisation – option to change the text, font style, size, colour and spacing so that the information is easier to read.
• Reading aids – including a screen mask (tint) and magnifier to help make the information more accessible for all.

Directions to the department

Parking at the hospital is limited and so it is recommended, where possible to consider alternative transport as advised on finding your way around.

On arrival, please proceed directly to the Ultrasound Department (Level 3 Outpatients).

Question, concern or complaint?

Firstly, speak to your nurse, doctor or other staff member as soon as you can so they can do their best to put things right straightaway.

If you don’t feel able to speak directly to the people caring for you, contact the patient advice and liaison service (PALS). Please call 01223 216756 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, via email at cuh.pals@nhs.net, or via a form available via link on the CUH PALS webpage.

PALS is open every weekday, and you can leave a message in the evenings and weekends.

MyChart

We would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals that enables patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospital’s electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or mobile device

More information is available on our website: Mychart